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Surface Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mattson Technology

Sr. MTS, Etch RF Engineering

Fremont, CA · On-site

$123K - $170K/yr

Innovations from Mattson Technology in Atomic Surface Engineering address the most critical logic and memory manufacturing challenges. In May 2016, Mattson Technology was acquired by Beijing's E-Town ...

Mattson Technology

Process Engineer 4

Fremont, CA · On-site

Innovations from Mattson Technology in Atomic Surface Engineering address the most critical logic and memory manufacturing challenges. In May 2016, Mattson Technology was acquired by Beijing's E-Town ...

Mattson Technology

RF Engineer 1

Fremont, CA · On-site

Innovations from Mattson Technology in Atomic Surface Engineering address the most critical logic and memory manufacturing challenges. In May 2016, Mattson Technology was acquired by Beijing's E-Town ...

Mattson Technology, Inc.

RF Engineer 1

Fremont, CA

Innovations from Mattson Technology in Atomic Surface Engineering address the most critical logic and memory manufacturing challenges. In May 2016, Mattson Technology was acquired by Beijing's E-Town ...

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Surface Engineering information

See California salary details

$12

$31

$56

How much do surface engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface engineering in California is $31.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $37.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a surface engineer do?

A surface engineer specializes in modifying and improving the surface properties of materials to enhance their performance, durability, and resistance to wear, corrosion, or fatigue. They often work with techniques such as coating, polishing, and surface treatments, using tools like microscopy and testing equipment to analyze and optimize surfaces in industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surface engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surface Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, surface treatments, and engineering principles, often supported by a degree in materials, mechanical, or chemical engineering. Proficiency with analytical tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), surface profilometers, and familiarity with relevant industry standards or certifications (e.g., ISO, ASTM) is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and clients. These competencies ensure high-quality surface solutions, product durability, and innovation in various industrial applications.

What is surface engineering?

Surface engineering is a multidisciplinary field focused on modifying and improving the properties of surfaces of materials, such as metals, ceramics, or polymers, to enhance their performance and durability. Techniques like coating, plating, and thermal treatments are used to provide resistance against wear, corrosion, oxidation, and other surface-related failures. Surface engineering is widely applied in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and biomedical devices. The goal is to extend the lifespan and functionality of components while reducing maintenance costs and resource consumption.

What are some common challenges faced by surface engineers when developing coatings for industrial applications?

Surface engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring the durability and adhesion of coatings under harsh operating conditions, selecting materials that meet both performance and cost requirements, and troubleshooting unexpected failures like corrosion or wear. Balancing the need for innovative solutions with strict industry standards and environmental regulations can also be demanding. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including materials scientists and process engineers, is key to addressing these technical and practical challenges efficiently.

What are popular job titles related to Surface Engineering jobs in California?

For Surface Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surface Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Surface Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Surface Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Surface Engineering job openings:

Surface Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 94% Full Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,765 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

General Manager/Lead Engineer

CalTek Staffing

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$150 - $160K/hr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Surface Engineering Manager

Base Salary Range: $150-$160K plus Bonus Incentive Programming. Potential for ownership stake down the line.

The company specializes in EMI Shielding, Plasma Spray, and Class A painting to meet industrial coating needs with certified excellence.

The role involves leading the facility's overall operations, driving P&L performance, production quality, and strategic growth. This position bridges technical expertise in surface engineering with executive leadership, ensuring coating processes such as arch, plasma, and grip blasting meet aerospace or industrial standards.

Key Responsibilities
  • Operational and financial leadership
  • Quality assurance and compliance
  • Technical process oversight
  • Technical expertise in industrial paint and paint processes
  • Oversight over 2 Bay Area Facilities in Santa Clara and San Jose
CalTek Staffing logo

About CalTek Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 2002 by two career recruiters, CalTek Staffing is a premier manufacturing, technical, IT and engineering staffing and recruiting firm. Since its inception, CalTek has become the employment firm that a growing number of companies turn to for their hiring needs. CalTek has continued to grow and has now expanded its business operations from its headquarters in San Diego, throughout all of California and into Colorado, Georgia, Texas and Washington. CalTek has staffed positions with global companies such as Siemens, Parsons, and Illumina but also works with startups with 10+ employees. CalTek services companies throughout all industry sectors, such as aerospace, automotive, chemical, civil, computer, defense, electronics, internet, medical/pharmaceutical, oil and gas, semiconductor, telecommunications, and many others.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

2002

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